Racism blights SA cricket game after player called a ‘baboon’
A nasty incident of racism has been reported at a domestic SA cricket game in which a black player was allegedly called a ‘baboon’.
In a nasty report from a weekend newspaper, it has come to light that a high-profile domestic SA cricket game had to be suspended after Knights batter, Lesego Senokwane, reported that he had been called a “baboon” while fielding on the boundary.
According to the article in City Press, the incident occurred during the one-day match between the Knights and the North West Dragons in Potchefstroom earlier this month, and what is extremely disturbing is that the racial slur is alleged to have been shouted at Senokwane by a young boy.
“Adults sitting there allegedly encouraged the child to shout ‘baboon, baboon’,” Knights captain, Dane Piedt, told City Press. “Lesego could hear someone behind the group of children say: ‘Call him a baboon, call him a baboon’.
“Lesego ignored it initially, thinking it would stop. But it lasted for an entire over. After the over, Lesego approached the umpires (Bongani Jele and Siphelele Gasa) and said it needed to stop.
“I also refused to continue with the match until something was done. The umpires agreed. They, along with the match referee, handled the situation well. We suspended the match for 10 minutes.”
The match referee, Zed Ndamane, then got in touch with the executive of the Dragons, Ismail Minty, who – along with security guards – went to the area where the offensive remarks were made.
It’s reported that the Dragons management then accompanied the child to his guardians and asked them to leave the stadium, with the incident now under investigation.
Zero tolerance policy to racism in SA cricket
Piedt further explained that this was not the first time he had experienced racial issues while playing in Potchefstroom.
North West Cricket stated in a press release sent to City Press that this matter was being taken “extremely seriously”, adding that the SA cricket union has zero tolerance for racism and discrimination.
“To further our stance and raise awareness, we will implement additional measures such as signboards, announcements and messages on the scoreboard.
“We support all players from all unions and remain committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive, respectful and welcoming for everyone.”
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